News you can trust since 1873
BREAKING

News

The house on Baberton Mains Avenue was destroyed in Friday night's deadly blast.

Drone footage shows full Baberton devastation

Edinburgh has been named the most festive city in the UK. Stock Getty photo overlooking the city's Christmas Market.

Most festive city in the UK

Edinburgh's Fountain Park was evacuated on Saturday, December 2.

Leisure park re-opens following malicious hoax call

Catriona Henderson told the court she was left “scared and worried” after discovering Blackadder Crescent, North Berwick neighbour David Aston had written a book that features a character who develops superpowers and seeks revenge on nearby residents.

Disabled author accused of using neighbours as project for his novel

Temperature are expected to rise in Edinburgh next week following freezing conditions this week in the Capital. Stock Getty photo.

Day by day weather for the week ahead

The scene of the explosion at Baberton Mains Avenue the morning after the explosion on Friday, December 1.

Home explosion fundraiser raises thousands for rescued couple

The new town of Shawfair has a planned education campus in its masterplan.

New secondary school plans in doubt

Where: 7 James Court, Edinburgh EH1 2PB.

CAMRA names Edinburgh's 25 best pubs

604 Lanark Road, Juniper Green EH14 5EN

CAMRA names the 20 best pubs in the Lothians

Edinburgh Festivals

The Stand has staged Fringe shows at the New Town Theatre on George Street since 2017.

The Stand pulls plug on biggest Fringe venue after acts and crowds stay away
Comedy club operator The Stand will go ‘back to basics’ after axing shows at the New Town Theatre

Exclusive Sir Sean Connery’s family reveal plans for film and TV talent school in Leith

Aftersun star Paul Mescal and the film's writer-director, Charlotte Wells, at the 2022 EIFF opening gala. Picture: Pako Mera

New Edinburgh Film Festival director pledges ‘bright new future’

Exclusive Tourist tax risks creating ‘negative and unwelcoming’ image of Scotland

Emmanuel Sonubi and Susie McCabe, who will appear at Ho Ho Hogmanay in Edinburgh.

Ho Ho Hogmanay line-up for 2023/24 revealed

Traffic and Travel

Edinburgh Airport is Scotland's busiest airport. Photo by Andrew Milligan/ PA.

Airport to be put up for sale say sources

Both Edinburgh Trams and Lothian Buses are investigating the 'full circumstances' of the collision.

Investigations as tram and bus collide

The Mega Meet event has been advertised on Facebook and 655 people have responded.

Police step up patrols amid concerns over car rally

Numerous police cars, an ambulance and a police dog unit are in currently in attendance on Craigentinny Road.

Ongoing incident as Edinburgh police swoop on flats

A decision on whether the Sheriffhall plans should go ahead in their current form is due to be announced 'in due course'

Sheriffhall roundabout decision ready

Councillors quizzed the council's chief executive this week about the delivery of the tram system in Edinburgh.

Tram project wouldn't have gone ahead without 'lies' to councillors

Crime

Stock photo of Fountain Park, Edinburgh, by Lisa Ferguson.

Fountain Park evacuated following 'malicious call'

Sergeant Clayton Lackenby was found to have collected thousands of pictures and videos depicting the sexual abuse of children as young as two-years-old. Lackenby, 50, downloaded the horror collection over a three year period showing toddlers being raped by adults to a computer system unit at his former home in the Scottish Borders. The disgraced sergeant was immediately suspended from his role with Police Scotland and resigned soon after his arrest in July last year. The father-of-two appeared in the dock at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Tuesday, November 21, where he pleaded guilty to possessing indecent images of children between May 4, 2019 and July 14, 2022.

Sentences handed out to criminals in November

Former teacher John Brownlee, 88, is alleged to have carried out shocking campaigns of violence and torture against 35 schoolboys over a 20 year period at Edinburgh Academy.

Teacher accused of child abuse wont stand trial due to ill health

Thieves broke into a property in Howatston Court, Livingston, and stole personal items. Picture: Google.

Thieves break into house in West Lothian

Two people have been rushed to hospital after a dog attacked three people in Edinburgh.

Two people rushed to hospital after dog attack

Ross Queripel was placed on a two year supervision order.

Disabled man escapes jail for domestic abuse

Weather

Bookmakers Ladbrokes has named Edinburgh amongst the UK cities with the best chance of a White Christmas this year.

Latest odds for a White Christmas in Edinburgh

The UK city which gets the most snow has been revealed – and Edinburgh ranks high on the the list. Photo: Jane Barlow / PA

The 10 snowiest cities in the UK revealed by the Met Office

Business

Johnnie Walker Princes Street's experience manager Anastasia Neagu, centre, with the award for the World’s Leading Spirit Experience at the World Travel Awards.

City tourist attraction named best in the world

Designated drivers can receive a free pint of Guinness 0.0 at their local Edinburgh Greene King pub throughout December.

Free pints of Guinness this Christmas in city pubs

Stock photo of The Radhuni in Loanhead.

Restaurants fundraise for deprived kids' Xmas gifts

Politics

Violence in schools is increasing in Midlothian.

Schools dealing with sharp rise in ‘distressed’ behaviour

Councillor Sally Pattle, Lib Dem for Linlithgow. Copyright West Lothian Council.

Councillor cleared of a breach of conduct

Growing demand will make the current Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion 'unsustainable', say patients. Picture: Greg Macvean.

New eye hospital essential as current building 'unsustainable'

Parts of the City of Edinburgh Council’s short-term let licensing policy are “unfair” and “illogical”, a judge has ruled, in a decision which could affect attempts to regulate Airbnb-style properties.

Parts of short-term let policy ‘unfair and illogical’, judge rules

UK Trending

Part of the light trail at Warwick Castle

The castle that's a perfect start to Christmas

Mars has recalled Revels after rubber pieces were found in some packets Picture: Getty Images

Mars recalls popular sweet because it may contain rubber

Benn Curran-Nicholls, 14, tragically died after eating poisonous berries off a yew tree during a walk with his dad in Fletcher Moss Park in Manchester. (Photo: PA)

Boy dies after eating berries from tree in his local park

A murder probe has been launched after a man died in a house fire in Hull, East Yorkshire Picture: Humberside police / SWNS

Murder probe launched after man dies after house fire

Nigel Harman and Katya Jones performing earlier in this year's Strictly series Picture: BBC/Guy Levy

Strictly star explains why he pulled out of live show

Parent Power 2024: The Times releases its list of Best UK schools & league table

The Sunday Times releases Parent Power 2024 UK guide

Environment

Work is underway ahead of schedule to repair Burnside Footbridge in Longstone.

Work begins early to repair footbridge and re-open vital link

Beginning in winter 2020, The Neighbouring Orchard is a living artwork created by Lothians artist Annie Lord with Art Walk Projects.

Apple tree growers wanted for community orchard expansion

People

Craig and Debbie Stephens at home with Tiggy.

Loudest cat purr claim accepted by Guinness World Records
Edinburgh cat goes for world record purr title

The scene at Baberton Mains Avenue the morning after the explosion on Friday, December 1.

84-year-old man dies following house explosion

It appears that one home was completely demolished with the neighbouring home partially destroyed.

Locals speak about 'scary' house explosion which rocked street

Larry is staying at the Dogs Trust West Calder. A true attention-seeker, he would like to be the sole pet in his new home where he can relish the spotlight

Meet Larry, our rescue dog of the week

Children can listen to a story read by Santa from November 18 until December 24 at the new Edinburgh's Christmas grotto at St Andrew Square. Sessions last 20 minutes and host up to 22 little ones. Each child will have the chance to meet Santa and get a gift. Tickets from £3.50 are time allocated and available at https://edinburgh-christmas.com/whats-on/santa-stories.

12 places you can see Santa

Education

We’ve taken a look at the best performing private schools in Scotland, according to the Sunday Times Parent Power Schools Guide 2024.

Scotland's Top 10 private schools for Higher results

An Edinburgh state school has been named amongst the very best in Scotland, while one of the city’s top private schools is celebrating after achieving the best Higher results in the country.

The Edinburgh schools listed amongst best in Scotland

King Charles III and Principal and Vice-Chancellor Heriot-Watt University Dubai Richard Williams unveil a plaque to mark the official opening of the Dubai campus. First Minister Humza Yousaf looks on. Picture: Chris Jackson/Getty Images.

King opens Heriot-Watt's new Dubai campus

Cheng Xia (24) Outside Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Student caught with child abuse images and videos

Cheng Xia (24) Outside Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Student caught with child abuse images and videos

Teachers now face violence and aggression from pupils on a daily basis, according to an EIS survey. Picture: Sean Bell.

Teachers say violence and abuse in schools is now 'normal'

Health

Photo: OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images

Patient with 'heavy vaginal bleeding' left in A&E corridor

Laura and Stacey McCabe with Mason - they are backing the appeal for more egg and sperm donors.

IVF couple back campaign for more egg and sperm donors

Deciding to talk about someone’s hearing health can feel awkward, but if you follow this expert guidance, then in turn you can offer support. Picture – supplied

Ad Feature How to help a loved one regain their hearing

​Jeremy Balfour says the situation is ‘deeply concerning’.

MSP's concern on failure to inspect hopsitals

Opinion

Workers prepare an area at the COP28 UN Climate Summit in Dubai (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

COP28 in UAE? It’s like asking Russia to hold a conference on world peace - Vlad...

Who on Earth thought that it would be a good idea to hold the COP28 summit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)?By The Newsroom
Home Secretary James Cleverly (Picture: Rob Pinney/Getty Images)

Home secretary is not-too-Cleverly in latest entertaining scandal - Vladimir McT...

Outlander star Sam Heughan played hunky motorcycle cop Danny in the new Channel 4 drama The Couple Next Door (Picture courtesy Channel 4)

The Couple Next Door is an unappetising stew of mystery-thriller cliches

Concert hall plans look like financial suicide in current climate - Kevin Buckle

By The Newsroom

Dubai hosts the COP28 United Nations climate summit this week. (Photo by Jewel SAMAD / AFP) (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images)

Big oil continues to spout its nonsense - Tommy Sheppard

Yaung Guang munches on bamboo at Edinburgh Zoo (Picture: Lisa Ferguson)

Forget pandas, penguins are back at the top where they belong - Susan Morrison

The Scottish Government Behaviour in Scottish Schools report says the behaviour most commonly reported as having the greatest negative impact was pupils using/looking at mobile phones or tablets when they should not

Ban on mobile phones can be part of school behaviour solution - Sue Webber

Recommended

These are the best and spookiest costumes for children for Halloween 2023.

Cheap, scary Halloween costumes for kids - Wednesday and Marvel heroes

Best sleeping bags for camping: multi-season and lightweight

Best sleeping bags for camping: multi-season and lightweight

Top cabin bags and suitcases that you can carry on to an airplane

Top cabin bags that you can carry on to an airplane

The best sideboards for maximum storage and style

Stylish, practical sideboards for house storage

Must Read

A complete ban on parking on pavements will come into force in Edinburgh in January (Picture: Lisa Ferguson)

Pavement parking ban is moment to cherish - Kevin Lang

Ad Feature Households urged to prepare for first cold snap

Ad Feature British Gas, Team GB and ParalympicsGB announce new 5 year partnership

Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal is Local Area Commander, North East Edinburgh

​Let’s ‘crackle’ down on firework safety - Kieran Dougal